4 of 21

Write now Article Tools

If you are getting started as a short story writer, a novelist, columnist, screenwriter, or poet, another book on "how to write" is not what you need to read. Sometimes all those rules of writing stumps your creativity and you need to break away from them. If you have not read them, it is time to branch out and broaden your book list. You definitely need to continue to expand your mind by reading. Each of the following 9 books provide excellent ways to open your mind and spawn creativity and help you discover your voice as a writer.

1) "Bird by Bird: Some instructions on Writing and Life" by Anne Lamott
2) "Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation" by Lynne Truss
3) "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King
4) "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" by Joseph Campbell
5) "Words Fail Me: What Everyone Who Writes Should Know about Writing" by Patricia O'Conner
6) "The Writer's Journey" by Chirstopher Vogler
7) "The Right to Write" by Julia Cameron
8) "The Art of Dramatic Writing" by Lejos Egri
9) "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk & E.B. White

From story, to idea, to finding your voice or building character, these books will make a writer a well-rounded writer and a writer well prepared to continue the mastery of the craft.

1) "Bird by Bird: Some instructions on Writing and Life" Anne Lamott

Anne is an author of several novels and bestselling non-fiction books and autobiographical pieces on faith. Her narrative is intelligent and funny and the words on the page drip with her unique voice. It is such an enjoyable read that you will find it hard to put it down. Many might identify with Anne and her journey as a writer. She will keep you laughing as well as keep you on edge as her books tend to deal with 'loss' and the search for hope. She is brutally honest in what she has to say and is a very open with her struggles with faith, life, motherhood and a writer.

2) "Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation" by Lynne Truss

First published in the U.K. in 2003 and reissued in 2007, Lynne Truss, a columnist, radio show host, and award-winning writer provides us with a book on the importance of punctuation. Over 3 million copies have been sold world wide which tells you this book is a must read! This book does not focus on grammar, but on the rules of punctuation that every writer should be familiar with. It is written with British wit which makes this book a non-textbook style in its presentation but light and

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Book recommendations for beginning writers and wannabe authors?
We want to hear your view. Write now!